Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Melbourne

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cecconi's Flinders Lane restaurant

1. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.7

Exceptional(1182)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 37 times today

Cecconi's Flinders Lane is a gem nestled in Melbourne's CBD, celebrated for elevating Contemporary Italian cuisine. Awarded consistently from 2006 to 2023 with One Hat by THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE, the restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere where every detail contributes to a memorable dining experience. Diners rave about the "fabulous food" and "outstanding friendly service," highlighting dishes like Seafood Linguine and Veal Cotoletta. The expansive drink list complements the refined menu perfectly. A patron sums it up: "This restaurant always delivers a high-quality meal and service...the eye fillet was one of the best steaks I’ve had this year." Whether for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Cecconi's promises an unrivaled dining encounter in the heart of Melbourne.

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

2. Teatro Gastronomia

4.3

Awesome(1022)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Southbank

Booked 24 times today

Teatro Gastronomia, located on the vibrant Southbank Promenade in Melbourne, offers a truly authentic Bistro experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Celebrated for its "phenomenal food" and "amazing service," Teatro stands out as a culinary theater where each dish performs spectacularly. From traditional wood-fired pizzas to exquisite pasta dishes, the menu showcases a fresh, seasonal produce-driven approach, constantly evolving yet consistently delightful. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb ragu and the homemade lasagna, which are just a few highlights of the diverse offerings. With its stunning views of the Yarra River and a lively atmosphere, Teatro Gastronomia is a must-visit for anyone craving an exceptional Bistro dining experience.

3. Cecconi's Toorak

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Toorak

Booked 18 times today

Cecconi's Toorak in the charming neighborhood of Toorak Village stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that combines modern flair with authentic Italian tastes. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that invites diners to indulge in dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Guests rave about their experiences, highlighting the "excellent service" and "delicious food" that make every visit memorable. The ambiance is described as "warm and inviting," perfect for everything from casual dinners to special occasions. The menu, featuring items like the praised truffle linguine and freshly shucked oysters, showcases a sophisticated interpretation of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Cecconi's Toorak is highly recommended for anyone looking to savor the essence of Italy right in the heart of Toorak.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda restaurant

4. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda

4.5

Awesome(89)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • St Kilda

Booked 10 times today

DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar in St Kilda is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a refreshing take on classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Nestled by Port Phillip Bay, this restaurant not only promises enchanting seaside views but also delivers an authentic Italian dining experience. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious" Campanelle with duck ragu and the "outstanding" porcini pizza, highlighting DOC's commitment to quality and authenticity. The glowing reviews consistently praise the "warm welcoming" atmosphere and "excellent service," making it clear why DOC is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Italy in the heart of St Kilda.

5. Luci

4.3

Awesome(201)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 9 times today

Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building.Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to a contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents.Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and its evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building.

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

6. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(99)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • East Melbourne

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the vibrant East Melbourne neighborhood, Geppetto Trattoria is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a culinary experience that combines tradition with modern flair. Established in 1981 and cherished by locals and visitors alike, this family-run gem stands out for its "authentic Italian food, with the most amazing service," as praised by numerous patrons. The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through its beloved dishes like the Osso Buco and Spaghetti Pescatora, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a touch of home-style love. Reviewers consistently celebrate Geppetto Trattoria for its "excellent meal" experiences and "outstanding service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine slice of Italy in Melbourne.

7. Freddy's Pizza

4.6

Exceptional(256)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Windsor

Booked 9 times today

Freddy's Pizza in the heart of Windsor is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, beloved for its wood-fired pizzas that keep locals coming back for more. Praised as “probably the best pizza I’ve had in my life” and described as “out of this world,” Freddy’s effortlessly blends a cozy atmosphere with culinary excellence. Diners rave about both the quality of the food and the impeccable service, highlighting dishes like the Straciabella pizza and hand-tossed Margherita. With its vibrant courtyard and upbeat vibes, Freddy’s not only promises delicious meals but also an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, contemporary Italian delights in Melbourne.

8. Zia Rina's Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(217)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Armadale

Booked 3 times today

Zia Rina's Cucina, nestled in the vibrant heart of Armadale, offers a uniquely modern take on traditional Italian cuisine. This charming trattoria, celebrated for its "creative menu and really high-level food" as praised by a delighted patron, focuses on the authenticity and quality of its offerings. With ingredients freshly sourced from local markets and farms, Zia Rina's crafts its dishes with soulful integrity, presenting a rotating $75 set menu that captures the essence of the season. Guests consistently laud the restaurant for its "fantastic service" and "intimate and relaxing" ambiance, making it not just a meal but an unforgettable experience. As one reviewer puts it, it's "hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in Melbourne." Whether you're savoring the heavenly pasta or the beautifully paired Italian wine, Zia Rina's ensures a contemporary Italian culinary adventure that's both delightful and authentic.

9. Funghi E Tartufo

4.4

Awesome(76)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

Funghi E Tartufo in Melbourne CBD offers a groundbreaking approach to Italian cuisine, brilliantly incorporating vegan and plant-based dishes that even non-vegans rave about. Chef Alessandra D'Angelo, with her roots in Sicily, has masterfully crafted a menu where traditional Italian flavors meet modern, sustainable practices. Diners consistently praise the authenticity and innovation, noting dishes like the "mind-blowing" Pappardelle Funghi e Tartufo and "incredible" vegan calamari. Set in a picturesque 19th-century warehouse, this restaurant not only delivers exceptional food but also a charming ambiance. As one reviewer puts it, it's a place where "meat eaters don't fear. You'll enjoy it."

A photo of D.O.C Osteria Carlton restaurant

10. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

4.7

Exceptional(9)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Carlton

Booked 21 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
george
Melbourne •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Haven’t been for a few years but will make sure we make reservations more regularly as it was a fantastic experience
More info
Cecconi's Flinders LanePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
A
Anthonyvip
Melbourne •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
DOC St Kilda, you absolute superstar! From the moment we walked in, it felt like we’d been teleported straight to Italy—but with a bonus beachside vibe. The pizzas? Oh, don’t even get me started. Thin, crispy, and topped with fresh, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The kind of pizza that makes you question why you’d ever eat anything else. And the burrata? Chef’s kiss! It’s basically a cloud of creamy deliciousness that had us fighting over the last bite. The staff? Legends. They were friendly, funny, and totally on point with their wine recs. It's like they just know what will make your night. Bonus points for making us feel like VIPs even though we were just there for a mid-week dinner. If you haven’t been to DOC St Kilda yet, stop what you’re doing and book a table. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you. Can’t wait to go back and do it all over again! 🍕✨
More info
DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St KildaPrice: Expensive• Italian• St Kilda
•
4.5
D
David
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food before the MSO. Quick service. Attentive and very nice waitress, Sally. Will go again.
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.3
F
Frank
Melbourne •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This restaurant just gets it right. The service is great, food is exceptional and the venue outstanding.
More info
Cecconi's ToorakPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Toorak
•
4.6
S
Sharon
Sydney •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 19, 2024
This is a hidden gem of a restaurant. The food is superb, and cannot be faulted. Congratulations to the chef.
More info
LuciPrice: Expensive• Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.3

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Melbourne

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Cecconi's Flinders Lane

2. Teatro Gastronomia

3. Cecconi's Toorak

4. DOC Pizza & Pasta Bar, St Kilda

5. Luci

6. Geppetto Trattoria

7. Freddy's Pizza

8. Zia Rina's Cucina

9. Funghi E Tartufo

10. D.O.C Osteria Carlton

See what locals rave about

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